MS Dhoni has been named an inductee into the ICC Hall of Fame

The International Cricket Council (ICC) honoured former India cricketer and famous captain MS Dhoni, also known as MS Dhoni, into the Hall of Fame on Monday, June 9. As a testament to his enduring contributions to the international scene, Dhoni, who guided India to three ICC titles—the Champions Trophy in 2013, the ODI World Cup in 2011, and the T20 World Cup in 2007—has been acknowledged.

MS Dhoni made his debut in a One-Day International against Bangladesh at Chattogram in 2004.

He played his final game in international uniforms against New Zealand in the World Cup semi-final that year in Manchester, where he also led the Men in Blue in scoring. Dhoni played 538 international matches. After a career filled with unfathomable honours, the Ranchi-born player decided to retire from international cricket on August 15, 2020.

In 2007, MS Dhoni led India to the first-ever T20 World Cup, where they defeated Pakistan in a thrilling final to win the championship in his maiden international competition as captain. MS Dhoni scored the game-winning runs for India in the final match against Sri Lanka in his first-ever ODI World Cup as captain in 2011—a knock over the long-on zone that will live on in the hearts of Indian cricket fans. One of the most successful captains in cricket, not only for India but also for the entire world, the seasoned wicketkeeper-batter then guided India to victory in the Champions Trophy 2013 a little more than two years later.

On June 9 at 9:00 PM IST, he was formally inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame in London. The ICC’s honorary chairman, Jay Shah, shared his thoughts on MS Dhoni and six other great cricketers being included to the exclusive list. Daniel Vettori (New Zealand), Sana Mir (Pakistan), Matthew Hayden (Australia), Hashim Amla, and Greame Smith (South Africa) are among the other individuals who were added to the list.

“We celebrate the most outstanding contributors to the game by inducting luminaries into the ICC Hall of Fame. This honour is only given to individuals whose accomplishments have created a lasting impression on the sport, and every choice is chosen solely on the basis of merit,” Shah stated before to the formal occasion.

ICC Hall of Fame: What is it?

Only five years after their final international match, players are inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, which honours the remarkable accomplishments of cricket luminaries who have influenced the sport’s colourful and rich past.

As part of the ICC’s centenary year celebrations, the World Cricketers Association (WCA), formerly known as the Federation of International Cricketers Associations (FICA), joined the ICC Hall of Fame unveiling in January 2009.

The first group of inductees consisted of the 55 players who were inducted into the FICA Hall of Fame between 1999 and 2003. Beginning in 2009, fresh names were added annually.

The last induction took place in October 2024, when Indian women player Neetu David, South Africa’s AB de Villiers, and England’s Alastair Cook were all given their just rewards.